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There’s another heavy-duty tablet vying for service technicians’ attention — this time, from American Industrial Systems, a company specializing in mobile computers for military and industrial use. Designed with the field worker (not the consumer) in mind, AIS’ “semi-rugged” tablet PC, released on Monday, features field-specific elements, including a 10.4” low-reflective screen viewable in nearly any light condition, water and dust resistance and added shock absorption that’s capable of sustaining repeated 3-foot drops. It retails for $1,499.

As we’ve mentioned before on The SmartVan, tablet applications in service fall into two groups: consumer-first devices that have migrated to business (the iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy, for example) and tablets built specifically for a business user (Motion’s CL900 or Trimble’s Ranger 3). AIS’ tablet model certainly falls into the latter category. A magnetic swipe reader, credit card reader and barcode scanner are a few of the optional accessories that may make the tablet more practical than a consumer device for certain field service managers.

As TSIA’s John Ragsdale recently explained on The SmartVan, the iPad and consumer tablet market has really democratized mobile for business, especially around the cost question. The iPad and its ilk are cheaper, nimbler and, frankly, cooler than old guard mobile devices designed for the field. They may sacrifice certain features, but the pricing makes the consumer devices instantly more accessible.

Derek Korte is editor at Field Service Digital and the managing editor at Original9 Media. Previously, he worked as an editor and reporter at various digital media properties and Midwestern papers (with a pit stop at the Minnesota State Senate). Email him at moc.91545215774lanig1545215774iro@k1545215774ered1545215774, or find him on Twitter @derekkorte.